Current status of parasites affecting gastrointestinal tract of horses and donkeys in Alexandria governorate, Egypt

Gastrointestinal parasites continue to be one of the principal illnesses that 
have a detrimental effect on the equine globally, particularly in developing 
nations. Hence, it results in significant financial losses. Added to that, there 
is a dearth of knowledge about gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in Equine in 
Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence 
of GI parasites in horses and donkeys in Alexandria governorate and 
correlating it to the risk variables that influence its prevalence. Two hundred 
fecal samples were randomly selected from working horses and donkeys in 
the Alexandria governorate between March 2023 till February 2024, with 
100 samples each from horses and donkeys. To detect the various parasitic 
stages (eggs, oocysts, cysts, larvae, and even segments of the parasite), the 
traditional concentration, floatation, and sedimentation procedures as well 
as direct fecal smear were carried out. The overall prevalence of GI parasites 
was 46% (92 out of 200) with 22% (22 out of 100) and 70% (70 out of 100) 
in horses and donkeys, respectively. Strongylus spp. had the highest 
prevalence (23%) followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (16%), Parascaris 
equorum (6%), Cyathostomins spp. (6%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (6%), 
and Eimeria spp. (6%). While the least frequent parasites were 
Strongyloides spp. (5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (3%), followed by 
Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (2%). The overall prevalence of GI parasites was 
significantly correlated with the host species (P<0001). Moreover, there was 
a statistically significant variation in the distribution of the parasite genera 
within the host species (P<0.05). In horses, the prevalence of GI parasites 
was found to be significantly correlated with age (P=0.0281). However, 
there was no correlation found between the presence of parasites and the 
gender of the horses (P=0.0637). The incidence of GI parasites in donkeys 
has been demonstrated to be significantly influenced by age and sex 
(P=0.0317) and (P=0.0002), respectively. The impact of the weather 
conditions was significantly affected the incidence of GI parasites in 
donkeys (P=0.0193). The investigation's results demonstrated the existence 
of smooth, white, and decorticated eggs of Parascaris equorum that are 
devoid of mamillated albuminous layers. Additionally, fecal samples from 
horses and donkeys have been repeatedly contaminated with sheep-infecting 
Eimeria intricata oocysts. The current study shed light on the higher 
prevalence of GI parasites in equids in Egypt. In conclusion, the study urges 
the reconsideration of the national surveillance strategies to establish 
effective veterinary management in this ignored sector of livestock. It is also 
recommended to adopt a consistent and planned antiparasitic regimen.